It is vital to know symptoms, writes Helen O’Callaghan

A new meningitis vaccine is being introduced in Ireland following a recent spike in cases of a particularly deadly type of meningococcal disease.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has expressed concern after figures showed a rise in meningococcal disease in Cork and Kerry.

IRISH children will have to wait until next year before they are entitled to a lifesaving vaccine manufactured in the State.